Phil lived 5 minutes walk from the shipyards of Wallsend through his childhood. He first sketched the Swan Hunters cranes in the early 1980s while in his first year at College.

After leaving school at 16, he was unsure of a career choice and spent some 3 years working on building sites. He started Art Evening classes where he was taught and inspired by his tutor Maurice Mcpartlan at North Tyneside College, who introduced him to the work of many artists including Stanley Spencer, Norman Cornish and Eric Ravillious; who remain as influences. His tutor encouraged him to pursue his talent and study art full time which he continued at Newcastle College of Art in the 80's where Jeffrey Johnson's influence left a lasting impression

During these years he also played regularly in local bands, and his keen interest in diverse music continues to this day.

After completing an Art Foundation and then HND in graphic design and illustration he worked as a graphic designer in London and the North East for over 20 years before becoming a painter full time a few years ago.

'My current paintings draw inspiration from the Industrial landscape as well as the awesome natural beauty of our landscape, memories of my childhood, and being slightly at odds with the 21st Century.'

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John Nicholson Fine Art is on the largest fine
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